Crisper pan system for a domestic refrigerator

ABSTRACT

A domestic refrigerator includes a pan system positioned in a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein. The pan system includes a first side pan positioned between a bracket and a first plate, a second side pan positioned between a bracket and a second plate, and a middle pan moveably coupled to the bracket. A first roller is secured to the first side pan and is engaged with the first rail to locate the first side pan relative to the middle pan. A second roller is secured to the second side pan and is engaged with the second rail to locate the second side pan relative to the middle pan.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS

Cross-reference is made to co-pending U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. ______ entitled “CRISPER PAN GUIDE SYSTEM FOR A DOMESTIC REFRIGERATOR,” which was filed by ______ (SUB-01053-US-NP), which is assigned to the same assignee as the present application and which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a domestic refrigerator and more particularly to a crisper pan system for a domestic refrigerator.

BACKGROUND

A domestic refrigerator is a device used to store food items in a home at preset temperatures. A domestic refrigerator typically includes one or more temperature-controlled compartments in which food items may be preserved for later consumption. A domestic refrigerator may have crisper pans, bins, or drawers positioned in the temperature-controlled compartment into which food items may be placed for storage.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a domestic refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein, and a plate positioned in the temperature-controlled compartment. The plate includes a first flange having a first rail extending upwardly therefrom, and a second flange having a second rail extending downwardly toward the first rail. The refrigerator also includes a first roller that has a groove defined therein and is secured to the plate, and a pan including a third rail positioned in the groove of the first roller. The pan has a storage chamber defined therein and is movable relative to the plate between a closed position in which a user is prevented from accessing the storage chamber, and an open position in which the user is permitted to access the storage chamber. A second roller is secured to the pan and has a groove defined therein. The first rail and the second rail are positioned in the groove of the second roller, and the second roller is configured to roll along the first rail and the second rail when the pan is moved between the closed position and the open position.

In some embodiments, the groove of the first roller may be vertically aligned with the first rail and the second rail. In some embodiments, the pan may include a pan body having the second roller secured at an upper end thereof, and an outer flange extending outwardly from the pan body below the upper end. The outer flange may have the third rail extending downwardly therefrom. Additionally, in some embodiments, the pan body may have a front end and a rear end, and the plate may have front end positioned adjacent to the front end of the pan body when the pan is in the closed position. The first roller may be secured to the front end of the plate, and the second roller may be secured to the rear end of the pan body.

In some embodiments, the outer flange may be a first outer flange that extends from a first side of the pan body, and the pan may include a second outer flange that extends outwardly from a second side wall of the pan body. The second outer flange may have a fourth rail extending downwardly therefrom.

In some embodiments, the plate may be a first plate. The domestic refrigerator may further include a second plate positioned in the temperature-controlled compartment opposite the first plate, and a third roller secured to the second plate. The third roller may have a substantially smooth cylindrical outer surface. In some embodiments, the cylindrical outer surface of the third roller may engage a bottom surface of the fourth rail of the pan, and the third roller may be configured to be rotated by the fourth rail when the pan is moved between the closed position and the open position.

In some embodiments, the domestic refrigerator may further include a fourth roller secured at an upper end of the second side wall of the pan body. The fourth roller may have a cylindrical outer surface. The second plate may include a third flange that extends toward the first plate. The cylindrical outer surface of the fourth roller may be configured to roll along a substantially planar upper surface of the third flange when the pan is moved between the closed position and the open position.

In some embodiments, the domestic refrigerator may include a cover panel coupled to the first plate and the second plate, and a tab extending downwardly from a front end of the cover panel into the storage chamber of the pan. A gap may be defined between the tab and the first plate, the gap being sized to receive a side wall of the pan body and the first roller.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the first rail may include a first rail section, a second rail section spaced apart from the first rail section, and a third rail section extending downwardly from an upper end secured to the first rail section to a lower end attached to the second rail section. In some embodiments, the pan may include a stop configured to engage the plate to prevent the second roller from engaging the second rail section.

According to another aspect, a domestic refrigerator includes a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein, and a plate positioned in the temperature-controlled compartment that includes a first rail. A first roller is secured to an inner surface of the plate, and the first roller has a groove defined therein. A pan is positioned adjacent to the inner side of the plate. The pan has a storage chamber defined therein, an outer flange extending toward the inner surface of the plate, and a second rail extending vertically from the outer flange. The second rail is positioned in the groove defined in the first roller. A second roller is secured to the pan. The second roller has a groove defined therein. The first rail of the plate is positioned in the groove of the second roller.

In some embodiments, the plate may include a third rail positioned above the first rail. The third rail may be positioned in the groove of the first roller. In some embodiments, the plate may include a first flange extending from the inner surface. The first flange may have the first rail extending downwardly therefrom. The plate may also include a second flange extending from the inner surface below the first flange. The second flange may have the second rail extending upwardly therefrom.

In some embodiments, the domestic refrigerator may include a cover panel secured to an upper end of the plate and a tab extending downwardly from a front end of the cover panel into the storage chamber of the pan. A gap may be defined between the tab and the plate, the gap being sized to receive the second roller.

In some embodiments, the pan may have a front end and a rear end, and the plate may have a front end positioned adjacent to the front end of the pan. The first roller may be secured to the front end of the plate, and the second roller may be secured to the rear end of the pan.

According to another aspect, a pan system for a domestic refrigerator is disclosed. The pan system includes a first plate having a track defined therein, a first roller secured to the first plate that has a groove defined therein, a second plate positioned opposite the first plate, and a second roller secured to the second plate that has a substantially smooth outer surface. A pan is positioned between the first plate and the second plate. The pan includes a first side wall having a first flange extending outwardly therefrom and a first rail extending vertically from the first flange, and a second side wall having a second flange extending outwardly therefrom and a second rail extending vertically from the second flange. A third roller is secured to the pan. The first rail of the pan is received in the groove of the first roller, a bottom surface of the second rail of the pan engages the substantially smooth outer surface of the second roller, and the third roller is positioned in the track of the first plate.

In some embodiments, the first plate may include an upper rail and a lower rail that define the track, and the third roller may have a groove defined therein that is sized to receive the upper rail and the lower rail. In some embodiments, the pan system may include a fourth roller secured to the second side wall of the pan. The second plate may include a third flange that extends toward the first plate, and the fourth roller may engage a substantially planar upper surface of the third flange.

In some embodiments, the third roller may be secured to an upper end of the first side wall of the pan, and the first flange may be positioned below the upper end of the first side wall. Additionally, in some embodiments, the pan may include a panel secured to the first side wall and the second side wall, and a handle may be attached to the panel.

According to another aspect, a domestic refrigerator includes a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein, a first plate positioned in the temperature-controlled compartment that includes a first rail, and a second plate positioned opposite the first plate. The second plate includes a second rail. The refrigerator also includes a bracket positioned between the first plate and the second plate, a first side pan positioned between the bracket and the first plate, a second side pan positioned between the bracket and the second plate, and a middle pan moveably coupled to the bracket. A first roller is secured to the first side pan and has a groove engaged with the first rail to locate the first side pan relative to the middle pan. A second roller is secured to the second side pan and has a groove engaged with the second rail to locate the second side pan relative to the middle pan. A first distance is defined between the first side pan and the middle pan, a second distance is defined between the second side pan and the middle pan, and the first distance is substantially equal to the second distance.

In some embodiments, the bracket may include a first side wall positioned between the first side pan and the middle pan, and a second side wall positioned between the second side pan and the middle pan. The first side wall and the second side wall may define a compartment within the bracket. The middle pan may include a body and a front panel secured to the body at a front end thereof. The body may have a storage chamber defined therein. The middle pan may be moveable between a closed position in which the body is positioned in the compartment and user-access to the storage chamber is prevented, and an open position in which the body extends outwardly from the compartment and user-access to the storage chamber is permitted.

In some embodiments, the bracket may include a first flange extending from the first side wall into the compartment and a second flange extending from the second side wall into the compartment. The first flange and the second flange may confront the body of the middle pan to position the body between the first side wall and the second side wall.

In some embodiments, the domestic refrigerator may include a third roller attached to a lower end of the first side wall, and a fourth roller attached to a lower end of the second side wall. The middle pan may include a first outer flange extending from the body having a substantially planar bottom surface that is engaged with the third roller, and a second outer flange extending from the body having a substantially planar bottom surface that is engaged with the fourth roller.

In some embodiments, the first side pan may include a body having a storage chamber defined therein and a front panel secured to the body at a front end thereof. In some embodiments, the second side pan may include a body having a storage chamber defined therein and a front panel secured to the body of the second side pan at a front end thereof. The first distance may be defined between the front panel of the first side pan and the front panel of the middle pan, and the second distance may be defined between the front panel of the second side pan and the front panel of the middle pan.

In some embodiments, the storage chamber of the first side pan may have a first volume, the storage chamber of the second side pan may have a second volume substantially equal to the first volume, and the storage chamber of the middle pan may have a third volume that is less than the first volume and the second volume. In some embodiments, the domestic refrigerator may include a cover panel having a first end secured to the first plate and a second end secured to the second plate. The bracket may be secured to the cover panel between the first end and the second end.

In some embodiments, the first plate may include a first flange having the first rail extending upwardly therefrom, and a second flange having a third rail extending downwardly toward the first rail. The third rail may be positioned in the groove of the first roller of the first side pan.

In some embodiments, the domestic refrigerator may include a third roller secured to the first plate. The third roller may have a groove defined therein, and the first side pan may include an outer flange having a fourth rail extending downwardly therefrom. The fourth rail may be positioned in the groove defined in the third roller.

According to another aspect, a domestic refrigerator includes a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein, a cover panel positioned in the temperature-controlled compartment, a first plate secured to a first end of the cover panel that has a first rail, and a second plate secured to a second end of the cover panel opposite the first end. The second plate has a second rail. A bracket is secured to the cover panel between the first end and the second end, and the bracket has a plurality of sidewalls that define a compartment therein. The domestic refrigerator also includes a first side pan having a first roller secured thereto that is engaged with the first rail of the first plate and a second side pan having a second roller secured thereto that is engaged with the second rail of the second plate. The domestic refrigerator also includes a middle pan including a body moveably coupled to the bracket. The body is moveable between a first position in which the body is positioned in the compartment, and a second position in which the body extends outwardly from the compartment.

In some embodiments, the bracket may include a third roller attached to a front end of a first side wall, and a fourth roller attached to a front end of a second side wall. The middle pan may include a first outer flange extending from the body having a substantially planar bottom surface that is engaged with the third roller, and a second outer flange extending from the body having a substantially planar bottom surface that is engaged with the fourth roller.

In some embodiments, the middle pan may include a fifth roller secured to a back end of the first outer flange, and a sixth roller secured to a back end of the second outer flange. The bracket may include a first inner flange extending from the first side wall into the compartment having a substantially planar bottom surface that is engaged with the fifth roller, and a second inner flange extending from the second side wall into the compartment having a substantially planar bottom surface that is engaged with the sixth roller.

In some embodiments, the first inner flange and the second inner flange confront the body of the middle pan to position the body between the first side wall and the second side wall. In some embodiments, the first roller may have a groove defined therein, and the second roller may have a groove defined therein. The first rail of the first plate may be positioned in the groove of the first roller to locate the first side pan relative to the middle pan and the second rail of the second plate may be positioned in the groove of the first roller to locate the second side pan relative to the middle pan.

In some embodiments, a first distance may be defined between the first side pan and the middle pan, and a second distance may be defined between the second side pan and the middle pan. The second distance may be substantially equal to the first distance.

In some embodiments, a storage system for a refrigerator includes a cover panel, a first plate secured to a first end of the cover panel including a first rail, a second plate secured to a second end of the cover panel including a second rail, and a bracket positioned between the first plate and the second plate. The storage system also includes a first side pan positioned between the bracket and the first plate, a second side pan positioned between the bracket and the second plate, and a middle pan moveably coupled to the bracket between the first side pan and the second side pan. A first roller is secured to the first side pan and has a groove engaged with the first rail to locate the first side pan relative to the middle pan. A second roller is secured to the second side pan and has a groove engaged with the second rail to locate the second side pan relative to the middle pan. A first distance is defined between the first side pan and the middle pan, a second distance is defined between the second side pan and the middle pan, and the first distance is substantially equal to the second distance.

In some embodiments, the first plate may include a first flange having the first rail extending upwardly therefrom, and a second flange having a third rail extending downwardly toward the first rail. In some embodiments, the third rail may be positioned in the groove of the first roller of the first side pan.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the following figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a refrigerator including one embodiment of a crisper pan system;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the crisper pan system of FIG. 1 showing a plurality of crisper pans and a frame;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a roller secured to a crisper pan of the pan system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another roller secured to the frame of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the frame of the pan system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the pan system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the pan system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the pan system of FIG. 2 showing one side of a crisper pan in a retracted position;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a support bracket of the pan system of FIG. 2 showing another side of the crisper pan of FIG. 8 in the retracted position;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the crisper pan in an extended position; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional, front elevation view of the crisper pan and the frame of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, a home appliance is shown as a domestic refrigerator appliance 10 (hereinafter refrigerator 10). The refrigerator 10 includes a cabinet 12 and a lower frame 14 that supports the cabinet 12. The refrigerator cabinet 12 defines a temperature-controlled, refrigerated compartment 18 into which a user may place and store food items such as milk, cheese, produce, etcetera. The refrigerated compartment 18 is operable to maintain stored food items at a predefined temperature. The refrigerator 10 includes an upper shelf 20 and a middle shelf 22 positioned within the refrigerated compartment 18.

The refrigerator 10 includes a pair of doors 24 that are hinged to the front of the refrigerator cabinet 12 via hinge assemblies 26. The doors 24 permit user access to the refrigerated compartment 18 such that food items may be placed in and retrieved from the refrigerator 10. A handle 28 is located on a front panel of each door 24, and the user may use each handle 28 to pull its corresponding door 24 open. Each door 24 also includes a back panel 30 and a number of shelves 32 extending from back panel 30, which are positioned in the refrigerated compartment 18 when the door 24 is closed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator cabinet 12 also defines a freezer compartment 34, which is independently operable to maintain food items stored therein at a certain temperature. The refrigerator 10 includes a drawer 36 that permits user access to the freezer compartment 34 such that food items may be placed in and retrieved from shelves and drawers positioned therein. When the drawer 36 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 1, user access to the freezer compartment 34 is prevented. A handle 38 is located on the drawer 36, and the user may use the handle 38 to pull the drawer 36 open. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the freezer compartment may be positioned above or side-by-side with the refrigerated compartment 18. It will be further appreciated that in other embodiments the refrigerator 10 may not have a freezer compartment.

The cabinet 12 of the refrigerator 10 includes a number of side walls 40 that extend upwardly from a bottom wall 42 to a top wall 44. The walls 40, 42, 44 cooperate to define the refrigerated compartment 18. The cabinet 12 has an open front side 46 that defines an access opening 48, which provides user access to the shelves 20, 22, 32 of the refrigerator 10 when either of the doors 24 is open. When the doors 24 are closed, an outer edge 50 of the back panel 30 of each door 24 seals the access opening 48, thereby preventing the user from accessing the shelves 20, 22, 32 and preventing chilled air from escaping through the access opening 48.

As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 10 has a storage drawer 52 that is positioned in the bottom wall 42 of the cabinet 12, and a crisper pan system 60 that is positioned above the storage drawer 52 in the refrigerated compartment 18. The crisper pan system 60 includes a frame 62 secured to the side walls 40 of the refrigerator cabinet 12 and a plurality of crisper pans 64 supported by the frame 62. Each crisper pan 64 has a storage chamber 66 (see FIG. 2) defined therein into which food items may be placed for later consumption. As described in greater detail below, the crisper pans 64 are configured to extend from and retract into the frame 62 to selectively permit user access to the storage chambers 66.

Referring now FIG. 2, the plurality of crisper pans 64 of the pan system 60 include a pair of side pans 68 and a middle pan 70. In the illustrative embodiment, the side pans 68 include a side pan 72 positioned on one side of the middle pan 70 and a side pan 74 positioned on the other side of the middle pan 70. The configuration of the side pan 72 is described in greater detail below, but it should be appreciated that, in the illustrative embodiment, the side pan 74 has an identical configuration. As a result, the side pan 72 is interchangeable with the side pan 74 and may be positioned in the frame 62 on either side of the middle pan 70.

As shown in FIG. 2, the side pan 72 includes a front panel 76 and a pan body 78 extending rearward from the front panel 76. The front panel 76 of the side pan 72 has an outer shell 80 that is secured to the pan body 78. A handle 82 is formed in the outer shell 80, which may be used to extend and retract the side pan 72. The front panel 76 also includes a face plate 84 that is secured to the outer shell 80. In the illustrative embodiment, the face plate 84 is formed from clear polypropylene to permit the user to view the contents of the storage chamber 66 of the side pan 72 when the side pan 72 is retracted into the frame 62. The pan body 78 and the outer shell 80 are formed from injection molded polypropylene that is opaque or colored. In other embodiments, the pan body 78 and the outer shell 80 may be formed from a clear or frosted polymeric material. It should also be appreciated that in other embodiments the pan body 78, the shell 80, and the face plate 84 may be formed as a single monolithic component.

The pan body 78 of the side pan 72 includes a pair of side walls 90, 92 that extend between the front panel 76 and a rear wall 96. An access opening 98 is defined at the upper end 100 of the pan body 78, and the walls 90, 92, 96 have inner surfaces 102, 104, 106 that extend downwardly from the opening 98 to a bottom surface 108 of the pan body 78. As shown in FIG. 2, the surfaces 102, 104, 106, 108 cooperate to define the storage chamber 66 of the side pan 72. The opening 98 provides user access to the storage chamber 66 when the side pan 72 extends outward from the frame 62.

The pan body 78 of the side pan 72 also includes a pair of upper flanges 110 that extend from the upper end 100 thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper flanges 110 include a flange 112 extending from the side wall 90 and another flange 114 extending from the side wall 92 between the front panel 76 and the rear wall 96 of the pan body 78. Each upper flange 110 has a back end 116 that is positioned adjacent to the rear wall 96 of the pan body 78. A rectangular slot 118 is defined in the back end 116 of each flange 110.

The side pan 72 includes a pair of rollers 120 that are configured to engage the frame 62, as described in greater detail below. In the illustrative embodiment, the pair of rollers 120 includes a roller 122 positioned in the slot 118 defined in the flange 112 and another roller 124 positioned in the slot 118 defined in the opposite flange 114. As shown in FIG. 3, each roller 120 has a body 126 including a cylindrical outer surface 128, and a pair of inner walls 130, 132 that extend inwardly from the cylindrical outer surface 128 to a cylindrical inner wall 134. The walls 130, 132, 134 define a groove 136 in each roller 120.

Each roller 120 is attached to the pan body 78 of the side pan 72 via a joint 138. The joint 138 includes a cylindrical pin 140 that extends through a bore 142 defined in the body 126 of the roller 120. The pin 140 is received in a pair of holes (not shown) defined in each of the flanges 110, 112 and the pan body 78 to attach the roller 120 thereto. Each roller 120 is configured to rotate about an axis 144 defined by the pin 140 when the side pan 72 is moved between the extended position and the retracted position, as described in greater detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the side pan 72 also includes a pair of stops 146 configured to engage a portion of the frame 62 to inhibit forward movement of the side pan 72. In the illustrative embodiment, each stop 146 includes a shoulder 148 extending upward from each of the upper flanges 110, 112. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the stop may include a tab, pin, or other structure configured to engage a corresponding structure of the frame.

Returning to FIG. 2, the pan body 78 of the side pan 72 also includes a pair of lower flanges 150 positioned below the upper flanges 110. Like the upper flanges 110, one lower flange 152 extends outwardly from the side wall 90 of the pan body 78 and another lower flange 154 (see FIG. 6) extends outwardly from the side wall 92. The configuration of the lower flange 152 is described in greater detail below, but, in the illustrative embodiment, the configuration of the lower flange 154 is identical to the configuration of the lower flange 152.

The lower flange 152 of the pan body 78 includes a front section 156 and a rear section 158 that is slanted or inclined relative to the front section 156. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower flange 152 has a top surface 160 and a bottom surface 162 that is positioned opposite the top surface 160. A plurality of support ribs 164 extend between the side wall 90 and the top surface 160 of the flange 152. In the illustrative embodiment, each support rib 164 has a triangular shape. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments each rib may be formed in a rectangular, oblong, or other geometric shape. The front section 156 of the lower flange 152 also has a notch 166 defined therein. As shown in FIG. 2, the notch 166 is positioned between the front panel 76 and the first support rib 164 of the pan body 78.

The side pan 72 (and hence the side pan 74) includes a pair of guide rails 168 configured to engage the frame 62. The guide rails 168 include a guide rail 170 extending downwardly from the bottom surface 162 of the lower flange 152 and another guide rail 172 extending downwardly from the bottom surface 162 of the lower flange 154. Each of the guide rails 170, 172 has a rectangular cross-section (see FIG. 6) and extends the length of the lower flanges 152, 154, respectively. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the cross-section of each guide rail may be oblong, rounded, or some other geometric shape. A notch 174 is defined in the bottom surface 176 of each of the guide rails 170, 172.

As described above, the pan system 60 of refrigerator 10 also includes a middle pan 70 that is positioned between the side pans 72, 74 in the frame 62. As described above, each of the pans 70, 72, 74 has a storage chamber 66 into which items may be placed for storage. In the illustrative embodiment, the volume of the storage chamber of the middle pan 70 is less than the volume of storage chambers of the side pans 72, 74. As such, the middle pan 70 has less storage capacity than either of the side pans 72, 74.

The middle pan 70 of the refrigerator 10 includes a front panel 180 and a pan body 182 extending rearward from the front panel 180. The front panel 180 of the middle pan 70 has an outer shell 184 that is secured to the pan body 182. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer shell 184 includes a handle 186, which may be used to extend and retract the middle pan 70. The front panel 180 also includes a face plate 188 that is secured to the outer shell 184.

In the illustrative embodiment, the face plate 188 is formed from clear polypropylene to permit the user to view the contents of the storage chamber 66 of the middle pan 70 when the middle pan 70 is retracted into the frame 62. The pan body 182 and the outer shell 184 are formed from injection molded polypropylene that is opaque or colored. In other embodiments, the pan body 182 and the outer shell 184 may be formed from a clear or frosted polymeric material. It should also be appreciated that in other embodiments the pan body 182, the shell 184, and the face plate 188 may be formed as a single monolithic component.

The pan body 182 of middle pan 70 includes a pair of side walls 190, 192 that extend between the front panel 180 and a rear wall 196. An access opening 198 is defined at the upper end 200 of the pan body 182, and the walls 190, 192, 196 have inner surfaces 202, 204, 206 that extend downwardly from the opening 198 to a bottom surface 208 of the pan body 182. As shown in FIG. 2, the surfaces 202, 204, 206, 208 cooperate to define the storage chamber 66. The opening 198 provides user access to the storage chamber 66 when the middle pan 70 extends from the frame 62.

The pan body 182 of the middle pan 70 also includes a pair of lower flanges 210, 212 that extend therefrom. The lower flange 210 extends outwardly from the side wall 190 and the other lower flange 212 (see FIG. 6) extends outwardly from the side wall 192. The configuration of the flange 210 is described in greater detail below, but, in the illustrative embodiment, the configuration of the flange 212 is identical to the configuration of the flange 210.

The flange 210 has a top surface 214 and a bottom surface 216 that is positioned opposite the top surface 214. A plurality of support ribs 218 extend between each of the side walls 190, 192 and the top surface 214 of the flange 210. In the illustrative embodiment, each support rib 218 has a triangular shape. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments each rib may be formed in a rectangular, oblong, or other geometric shape.

The flange 210 of the middle pan 70 also has a back end 220 that is positioned adjacent to the rear wall 196 of the pan body 182. The bottom surface 216 of the flange 210 includes a convex section 222 that is positioned adjacent to the back end 220 of the flange 210. The section 222 defines a rib 224 that extends downwardly from the lower flange 210. As shown in FIG. 2, the middle pan 70 also includes a slot 226 that is defined at the back end 220 of each flange 210, which extends through the top surface 214 and the bottom surface 216 thereof.

The middle pan 70 has a pair of rollers 228, 230 secured thereto. As shown in FIG. 2, the roller 228 is positioned in the slot 226 of the flange 210, and the roller 230 (see FIG. 8) is positioned in the slot 226 defined in the other flange 212 of the middle pan 70. Each of the rollers 228, 230, like the rollers 120 of the side pans 72, 74, has a cylindrical outer surface 232 and a groove 234 defined therein.

Each of the rollers 228, 230 is attached to the pan body 182 of the middle pan 70 via a joint 236. The joint 236, like the joint 138 of the side pans 72, 74, includes a cylindrical pin 140 that extends through a bore (not shown) defined in the roller. The pin 140 is received in a pair of holes (not shown) defined in the flange 210 and the pan body 182 to attach the roller thereto. Each of the rollers 228, 230 is configured to rotate about an axis 238 defined by the pin 140 when the middle pan 70 is moved between the extended position and the retracted position, as described in greater detail below.

As described above, the pan system 60 of refrigerator 10 also includes a frame 62 that supports the crisper pans 64. The frame 62 includes a cover panel 240, a pair of mounting plates 242, 244, and a support bracket 246 positioned between the mounting plates 242, 244. As shown in FIG. 2, the cover panel 240 includes an outer frame 248 and a cover plate 250 that is secured to the outer frame 248. The mounting plates 242, 244 are secured at the ends 252, 254, respectively, of the outer frame 248, and the support bracket 246 is secured to the outer frame 248 between the ends 252, 254.

The outer frame 248 of the cover panel 240 has a front beam 256 that is positioned adjacent to the open front side 46 of the cabinet 12 when the pan system 60 is positioned in the refrigerated chamber 18. An alignment tab 258 extends downwardly from the front beam 256 at one end 252 of the outer frame 248. Another alignment tab 260 extends downwardly from the front beam 256 at the other end 254 of the outer frame 248. As described in greater detail below, the alignment tabs 258, 260 guide the installation of the side pans 68 in the frame 62.

In the illustrative embodiment, the outer frame 248 of the cover panel 240 is formed from injection-molded opaque polypropylene. In other embodiments, the outer frame 248 may be colored or formed from a clear or frosted polymeric material. The cover plate 250 is formed from clear polypropylene to permit the user to view the contents of the storage chambers 66 of the crisper pans 64 when the pans 64 are retracted into the frame 62. In other embodiments, the cover plate 250 may be formed from glass. It should also be appreciated that in other embodiments the outer frame 248 and the cover plate 250 may be formed as a single monolithic component.

As described above, the mounting plate 242 of the frame 62 is secured at the end 252 of the outer frame 248 of the cover panel 240. The other mounting plate 244 is secured at the opposite end 254 of the outer frame 248. In the illustrative embodiment, the mounting plates 242, 244 are formed from injection molded polypropylene that is opaque or colored. In other embodiments, the mounting plates 242, 244 may be formed from a clear or frosted polymeric material. The configuration of the mounting plate 242 is described in greater detail below, but it should be appreciated that the mounting plate 244 has a configuration that mirrors the configuration of the mounting plate 242.

As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting plate 242 of the frame 62 includes a main body 270 and a front wall 272 that extends outwardly from the front end 274 of the main body 270. The mounting plate 242 is configured to be secured to one of the sidewalls 40 of the refrigerator cabinet 12, and, in the illustrative embodiment, the mounting plate 242 includes a notch 276 defined in the back end 278 of the main body 270. The notch 276 is sized to receive a peg (not shown) extending outwardly from the side wall 40 of the refrigerator cabinet 12.

The main body 270 of the mounting plate 242 has an inner surface 280 that faces the support bracket 246 of the frame 62. As shown in FIG. 5, the mounting plate 242 includes a guide track 282 extending from the inner surface 280. The guide track 282 of the mounting plate 242 is configured to receive the roller 122 of the side pan 72, as described in greater detail below.

The guide track 282 is defined between a lower flange 284 extending from the inner surface 280 and an upper flange 286 positioned above the lower flange 284. The lower flange 284 includes an upper surface 290 having a plurality of surface sections 292. The surface sections 292 include a front support section 294, a rear surface section 296, and a middle surface section 298 that connects the surface sections 294, 296. The surface sections 294, 296 of the upper surface 290 extend substantially horizontally and the middle surface section 298 is slanted or inclined. The middle surface section 298 has a lower end 300 connected to the front surface section 294 and an upper end 302 connected to the rear surface section 296.

The upper flange 286 of the mounting plate 242 has a lower surface 304 that extends parallel to the rear surface section 296 of the lower flange 284. As shown in FIG. 5, a tab 306 extends downwardly from the lower surface 304 of the upper flange 286 toward the upper surface 290 of the lower flange 284. In the illustrative embodiment, the tab 306 is aligned vertically with the lower end 300 of the middle surface section 298 of the lower flange 284.

The guide track 282 of the mounting plate 242 includes a pair of guide rails 310, 312 that extend from the lower flange 284 and the upper flange 286, respectively. Each of the guide rails 310, 312 has a rectangular cross-section and is sized to be positioned in the groove 136 of the roller 122 of the side pan 72. As shown in FIG. 5, the guide rail 310 includes a front rail section 314 extending upwardly from the front surface section 294 of the lower flange 284. The guide rail 310 also includes a rear rail section 318 extending upwardly from the rear surface section 296 of the lower flange 284, and a middle rail section 320 extending upwardly from the middle surface section 298. The middle rail section 320 is slanted or inclined and has a lower end 322 connected to the front rail section 314 and an upper end 324 connected to the rear rail section 318.

The guide rail 312 of the guide track 282 extends downwardly from the lower surface 304 of the upper flange 286 parallel to the rear rail section 318 of the guide rail 310. The guide rail 312 is vertically aligned with the guide rail 310 such that both guide rails 310, 312 may be positioned in the groove 136 of the roller 122 of the side pan 72, as described in greater detail below.

The mounting plate 242 also includes a roller 326 configured to receive the guide rail 170 of the side pan 72. As shown in FIG. 5, the roller 326 has a cylindrical outer surface 328, and a pair of inner walls 330, 332 that extend inwardly from the cylindrical outer surface 328 to define a groove 334 in the roller 326. In the illustrative embodiment, the groove 334 is aligned vertically with the guide rails 310, 312 of the guide track 282.

The roller 326 is attached to the main body 270 of the mounting plate 242 via a joint 336. The joint 336 includes a cylindrical pin 338 that extends through the roller 326. The pin 338 is received in a pair of holes (not shown) defined in the main body 270 to attach the roller 326 thereto. The roller 326 is configured to rotate about an axis 340 defined by the pin 338 when the side pan 72 is moved between the extended position and the retracted position from the frame 62, as described in greater detail below.

Returning now to FIG. 2, the frame 62 includes a support bracket 246 configured to receive the pan body 182 of the middle pan 70. In the illustrative embodiment, the support bracket 246 is formed from injection molded polypropylene that is opaque or colored. In other embodiments, the support bracket 246 may be formed from a clear or frosted polymeric material. As shown in FIG. 2, the support bracket 246 has a bottom wall 342 and a plurality of outer walls 344 that extend upwardly from the bottom wall 342. The walls 342, 344 cooperate to define a compartment 346 in the bracket 246. An open front side 348 of the bracket 246 defines an access opening 350 sized to receive the pan body 182 of the middle pan 70.

The outer walls 342 of the support bracket 246 include a rear plate 352 and a pair of side plates 354, 356 that extend between the front side 348 of the bracket 246 and the rear plate 352. Each of the side plates 354, 356 includes a front mounting arm 358 and a rear mounting arm 360 configured to engage the outer frame 248 of the cover panel 240 and secure the support bracket 246 to the cover panel 240. Each of the side plates 354, 356 has an inner surface 362 that faces the compartment 346 and an outer surface 364 positioned opposite the inner surface 362. As shown in FIG. 2, each outer surface 364 faces one of the side pans 72, 74 when the side pans 72, 74 are coupled to the frame 62.

The support bracket 246 of the frame 62 includes an inner roller support 366 extending from the inner surface 362 of the side plate 354 and another inner roller support 368 (see FIG. 6) extending from the inner surface 362 of the side plate 356. Each of the roller supports 366, 368 is sized to receive one of the rollers 228, 230 of the middle pan 70. In the illustrative embodiment, the inner roller support 368 has a configuration that mirrors the configuration of the inner roller support 366, which is described in greater detail below.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inner roller support 366 is defined by an upper flange 370 and a lower flange 372. The upper flange 370 has a top surface 374 and a substantially planar bottom surface 376 positioned opposite the top surface 374. A plurality of support ribs 380 extend between the inner surface 362 of the side plate 354 and the top surface 374 of the upper flange 370. The lower flange 372 has a substantially planar top surface 378 and a bottom surface 382 that is positioned opposite the top surface 378. A plurality of support ribs 384 extend between the bottom wall 342 and the bottom surface 382 of each lower flange 372. When the middle pan 70 is coupled to the support bracket 246, the roller 230 is positioned between the flanges 370, 372 and is configured to roll along the surfaces 374, 378 of the flanges 370, 372, respectively, as the middle pan 70 is moved between the extended position and the retracted position.

As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of rollers 390 is secured to the bottom wall 342 of the bracket 246 adjacent to the front side 268. Each roller 390, like the rollers 120 of the side pans 72, 74, has a cylindrical outer surface 392 and a groove 394 defined therein, and each roller 390 is configured to rotate about an axis 396. When the middle pan 70 is coupled to the support bracket 246, the rollers 390 engage the bottom surfaces 216 of the flanges 210, 212 of the middle pan 70. As the middle pan 70 is moved between the extended position and the retracted position, the engagement between the flanges 210 of the middle pan 70 and the rollers 390 of the support bracket 246 causes the rollers 390 to be rotated about their respective axes 396.

The support bracket 246 of the frame 62 includes an outer roller support 398 extending from the outer surface 364 of the side plate 356 and another outer roller support 400 (see FIG. 6) extending from the outer surface 364 of the side plate 354. Each of the roller supports 398, 400 is sized to receive one of the rollers 120 of the side pans 72, 74. The outer roller support 398 is described in greater detail below, but it should be appreciated that, in the illustrative embodiment, the outer roller support 400 has a configuration that mirrors the configuration of the outer roller support 398.

As shown in FIG. 9, the outer roller support 398 of the support bracket 246 is defined by a lower flange 402 and an upper flange 404 positioned above the lower flange 402. The lower flange 402 includes an upper surface 406 and a lower surface 408 positioned opposite the upper surface 406. A plurality of support ribs 384 extend between the outer surface 364 of the side plate 356 and the lower surface 408 of each lower flange 402. The upper surface 406 of the lower flange 402 includes a front section 410, a rear section 412, and a middle section 414 connecting the sections 410, 412. As shown in FIG. 9, the sections 410, 412 extend substantially horizontally and the middle section 414 of the upper surface 406 is slanted or inclined. The middle section 414 has a lower end 416 connected to the front section 410 and an upper end 418 connected to the rear section 412.

The upper flange 404 of the support bracket 246 has a lower surface 420 that extends parallel to the rear section 412 of the upper surface 406 of the lower flange 402. A tab 422 extends downwardly from the lower surface 420 of the upper flange 404 toward the upper surface 406 of the lower flange 402. In the illustrative embodiment, the tab 422 is aligned vertically with the lower end 416 of the middle section 414 of the upper surface 406.

Returning to FIG. 2, the support bracket 246 also includes a pair of rollers 430 that are secured to the outer surfaces 364 of the side plates 354, 356, respectively. A roller housing 432 extends outwardly from each of the side plates 354, 356 adjacent to the front side 348 of the support bracket 246. Each roller 430 is positioned in a slot 434 defined in each housing 432.

As shown in FIG. 4, each roller 430 has a body 436 including a cylindrical outer surface 438. In the illustrative embodiment, the outer surface 438 of each roller 430 is substantially smooth. The body 436 of each roller 430 is attached to the support bracket 246 via a joint 440. The joint 440 includes a cylindrical pin 442 that extends from the body 436. The pin 442 is received in a pair of slots 444 defined in the housing 432. The roller 430 is configured to rotate about an axis 446 defined by the pin 442.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the crisper pans 64 are shown positioned in the frame 62. The pan body of the side pan 72 is positioned between the support bracket 246 and the mounting plate 242, and pan body of the side pan 74 is positioned between the support bracket 246 and the mounting plate 242. The roller 122 of the side pan 72 is positioned in the guide track 282 of the mounting plate 242, and the roller 124 of the side pan 72 is positioned in the outer roller support 398 of the support bracket 246. As shown in FIG. 6, the cylindrical outer surface 128 of the roller 122 engages the upper surface 290 of the lower flange 284 and the lower surface 304 of the upper flange 286 of the mounting plate 242.

The guide track 282 of the mounting plate 242 includes the guide rails 310, 312, which extend from the surfaces 290, 304, respectively. As shown in FIG. 6, the guide rails 310, 312 are positioned in the groove 136 of the roller 122. Additionally, the side pan 72 also has a lower flange 152, which is engaged with the roller 326 of the mounting plate 242. The bottom surface 162 of the lower flange 152 engages the cylindrical outer surface 328 of the roller 326. The side pan 72 also includes a guide rail 170 that extends downwardly from the lower flange 152. The guide rail 170 is received in the groove 334 of the roller 326. The engagement between the guide rail 170 and the roller 326 together with the engagement between the roller 122 and the guide rails 310, 312 guides or directs the movement of the side pan 72 as the side pan 72 is advanced between the retracted position and the extended position. In that way, the rollers 122, 326 and the guide rails 170, 310, 312 act as a guide system for the side pan 72.

As shown in FIG. 6, the roller 124 of the side pan 72 is positioned in the outer roller support 398 of the support bracket 246. The cylindrical outer surface 128 of the roller 124 engages the upper surface 406 of the lower flange 402 and the lower surface 408 of the upper flange 404. As described above, the side pan 72 also includes a guide rail 172, which is engaged with the roller 430 of the support bracket 246. As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom surface 176 of the guide rail 172 engages the cylindrical outer surface 438 of the roller 430.

The other side pan 74 of the pan system 60 is positioned between the support bracket 246 and the other mounting plate 244 of the frame 62. The roller 124 of the side pan 74 is positioned in the guide track 282 of the mounting plate 244 and the roller 122 of the side pan 74 is positioned in the outer roller support 400 of the support bracket 246. The cylindrical outer surface 128 of the roller 124 engages the upper surface 290 of the lower flange 284 and the lower surface 304 of the upper flange 286 of the mounting plate 244. The mounting plate 244, like the mounting plate 242, also includes a guide track 282 and a pair of guide rails 310, 312 that extend from the surfaces 290, 304, respectively, of the mounting plate 244.

As shown in FIG. 6, the guide rails 310, 312 are positioned in the groove 136 of the roller 124 of the side pan 74. Additionally, the side pan 74 has a lower flange 154, which is engaged with the roller 326 of the mounting plate 244. The bottom surface 162 of the lower flange 154 engages the cylindrical outer surface 328 of the roller 326. The side pan 74, like the side pan 72, includes a guide rail 172 that extends downwardly from the lower flange 154. The guide rail 172 of the side pan 74 is received in the groove 334 of the roller 326. The engagement between the guide rail 172 and the roller 326 together with the engagement between the roller 124 and the guide rails 310, 312 guides or directs the movement of the side pan 74 as the side pan 74 is advanced between the retracted position and the extended position. In that way, the rollers 124, 326 and the guide rails 172, 310, 312 act as a guide system for the side pan 74.

As shown in FIG. 6, the roller 122 of the side pan 74 is positioned in the outer roller support 400 of the support bracket 246. The cylindrical outer surface 128 of the roller 122 engages the upper surface 406 of the lower flange 402 and the lower surface 408 of the upper flange 404. The side pan 74, like the side pan 72, includes a guide rail 170 that extends from the lower flange 152. As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom surface 176 of the guide rail 170 engages the cylindrical outer surface 438 of the roller 430.

As shown in FIG. 6, the middle pan 70 of the pan system 60 is coupled to the support bracket 246 between the side pans 72, 74. The pan body 182 of the middle pan 70 is positioned in the compartment 346 defined in the support bracket 246, and the roller 230 of the middle pan 70 is positioned in the inner roller support 366 of the support bracket 246. The cylindrical outer surface 232 of the roller 230 engages the top surface 374 of the lower flange 372 and the bottom surface 376 of the upper flange 370 of the support bracket 246. The other roller 228 of the middle pan 70 is similarly positioned in the inner roller support 368 of the support bracket 246. The cylindrical outer surface 232 of the roller 228 engages the top surface 374 of the lower flange 372 and the bottom surface 376 of the upper flange 370.

As described above, the support bracket 246 also includes a pair of rollers 390 positioned in the compartment 346. Each roller 390 has a cylindrical outer surface 392 that engages the bottom surface 216 of the corresponding lower flange 210, 212 of the middle pan 70. When the middle pan 70 is moved between the extended position and the retracted position, each roller 390 is rotated about its axis 396.

As shown in FIG. 6, each upper flange 370 of support bracket 246 has a tip 448 positioned in the compartment 346. When the middle pan 70 is coupled to the frame 62, the pan body 182 of the middle pan 70 is positioned between the tips 448 of the upper flange 370. The tips 448 of the upper flanges 370 confront the pan body 182 to locate the middle pan 70 in a predetermined lateral position within the frame 62. Additionally, the engagement between the rollers 122, 326 and the guide rails 310, 312, 170 locates the side pan 72 in a predetermined lateral position relative to the frame 62. The engagement between the rollers 124, 326 and the guide rails 310, 312, 172 similarly locates the side pan 74 in a predetermined lateral position relative to the frame 62.

As shown in FIG. 7, a gap 450 is defined between the front panel 76 of the side pan 72 and an edge 452 of the front panel 180 of the middle pan 70. Additionally, a gap 454 is defined between the front panel 76 of the side pan 74 and an edge 456 of the front panel 180 of the middle pan 70. Because the lateral positions of the crisper pan 64 within the frame 62 are fixed, the gaps 450, 454 have fixed predetermined sizes. As shown in FIG. 7, the gaps 450, 454 are substantially equal in size so that the side pans 72, 74 are equally spaced apart from the middle pan 70.

As described above, the crisper pans 64 are configured to extend and retract from the frame 62 to selectively permit user access to the storage chambers 66 of the crisper pans 64. To move the middle pan 70 from the retracted position to the extended position, a user grasps the handle 186 of the middle pan 70 and pulls forward. As the middle pan 70 is moved forward, the roller 228 is rotated about its axis 238 and is advanced along the inner roller support 368. Similarly, the roller 230 is rotated about its axis 238 and is advanced along the inner roller support 366. As the bottom surfaces 216 of the lower flanges 210, 212 of the middle pan 70 slide along the rollers 390 of the support bracket 246, the rollers 390 are rotated about their respective axes 396. When the middle pan 70 is in the extended position, the ribs 224 of the lower flanges 210, 212 engage the rollers 390, thereby inhibiting additional forward movement of the middle pan 70.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the side pan 72 is shown in a retracted position such that user access to the storage chamber 66 is prevented. In the retracted position, the front panel 76 of the side pan 72 is positioned adjacent to the front wall 272 of the mounting plate 242. As shown in FIG. 8, the front panel 76 also engages the front end 274 of the main body 270. The pan body 78 of the side pan 72 is positioned below the cover panel 240.

As shown in FIG. 8, the roller 122 of the side pan 72 is located in the guide track 282 at the rear end 460 thereof. The cylindrical outer surface 128 of the roller 122 engages the upper surface 290 of the lower flange 284 and the lower surface 304 of the upper flange 286. As described above, the guide rails 310, 312 are positioned in the groove 136 of the roller 122 to direct the travel of the roller 122 when the side pan 72 is moved between the retracted position and the extended position.

As described above, the side pan 72 also has a lower flange 152, which is engaged with the roller 326 of the mounting plate 242. As shown in FIG. 8, the bottom surface 162 of the lower flange 152 engages the cylindrical outer surface 328 of the roller 326. As described above, a guide rail 170 extends downwardly from the lower flange 152. The guide rail 170 of the side pan 72 is received in the groove 334 of the roller 326 to direct the movement of the side pan 72 between the retracted position and the extended position. In the retracted position, the roller 334 is positioned in the notches 166, 174 defined in the lower flange 152 and the guide rail 170, respectively, to retain the side pan 72 in the retracted position.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the other side of the side pan 72 is shown with the side plate 354 of the support bracket 246. The roller 124 of the side pan 72 is positioned in the outer roller support 398 of the support bracket 246. The cylindrical outer surface 128 of the roller 124 engages the upper surface 406 of the lower flange 402 and the lower surface 408 of the upper flange 404. As described above, the side pan 72 also includes a guide rail 172, which is engaged with the roller 430 of the support bracket 246. As shown in FIG. 9, the bottom surface 176 of the guide rail 172 engages the cylindrical outer surface 438 of the roller 430. In the retracted position, the roller 430 is positioned in the notch 174 defined in the guide rail 172 of the side pan 72 to retain the side pan 72 in the retracted position.

To move the side pan 72 from the retracted position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 to the extended position shown in FIG. 10, a user grasps the handle 82 of the side pan 72 and pulls in the direction indicated by arrow 462 in FIG. 8. As the side pan 72 is pulled forward, the lower flange 152 and the guide rail 170 slide along the roller 326, thereby causing the roller 326 to rotate about the axis 340 and to disengage from the notches 166, 174. Additionally, the roller 122 of the side pan 72 rotates about the axis 144 and advances forward along the track 282. On the opposite side of the pan 72, the guide rail 172 slides along the roller 430 of the support bracket 246, thereby causing the roller 430 to rotate about the axis 446 and disengaging the roller 430 from the notch 174. The roller 124 of the side pan 72 also rotates about its axis 144 and advances forward along the roller support 398. As the side pan 72 is moved between positions, the engagement between the rollers 122, 326 and the guide rails 310, 312, 170 limits the side-to-side motion of the pan 72.

When the side pan 72 is in extended position shown in FIG. 10, user access to the storage chamber 66 is permitted. The shoulder 148 extending from the upper flange 112 of the side pan 72 engages the tab 306 of the mounting plate 242. On the opposite side of the pan 72, the shoulder 148 extending from the other upper flange 114 of the side pan 72 also engages the tab 422 of the support bracket 246. The engagement between the shoulders 148 and the tabs 306, 422 inhibits additional forward movement of the side pan 72. As shown in FIG. 10, the shoulders 148 and the tabs 306, 422 prevent the roller 430 from engaging the middle surface section 298 of the lower flange 284.

It should be appreciated that the operation of the side pan 74 is similar to the operation of the side pan 72. When the side pan 74 is in the retracted position, the roller 334 of the mounting plate 244 is positioned in the notches 166, 174 defined in the lower flange 152 and the guide rail 172, respectively, to retain the side pan 74 in the retracted position. Additionally, the roller 430 is positioned in the notch 174 defined in the guide rail 170 of the side pan 74. When the side pan 74 is moved from the retracted position to the extended position, the engagement between the rollers 124, 326 and the guide rails 310, 312, 172 limits the side-to-side motion of the pan 74.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the side pan 72 is aligned with the cover panel 240 and the mounting plate 242 during installation of the side pan 72. To do so, the side pan 72 is angled downward so that the rear wall 96 clears the alignment tab 258. The side wall 90 is positioned in a gap 464 defined between the alignment tab 258 and the inner surface 280 of the mounting plate 242. As shown in FIG. 11, the gap 464 is sized such that the roller 122 of the side pan 72 is aligned with the guide rails 310, 312 of the mounting plate 242 and the guide rail 170 of the side pan 72 is aligned with the roller 326 of the mounting plate 242. When the side pan 72 is properly aligned with the frame 62, the side pan 72 may be moved backward to engage the rollers 122, 326 with the guide rails 310, 312, 170.

Similarly, during installation of the side pan 74, the side pan 74 is angled downward so that the rear wall 96 of the side pan 74 clears the alignment tab 260 of the frame 62. Similar to the side pan 72, the side wall 92 of the side pan 74 is positioned in the gap 464 defined between the alignment tab 260 and the inner surface 280 of the mounting plate 244. The roller 124 of the side pan 74 is aligned with the guide rails 310, 312 of the mounting plate 244 and the guide rail 172 of the side pan 74 is aligned with the roller 326 of the mounting plate 244. When the side pan 74 is properly aligned with the frame 62, the side pan 74 may be moved backward to engage the rollers 124, 326 with the guide rails 310, 312, 172.

It should be appreciated that the combination of rollers 120, 326, 430, the guide tracks 282, and the roller supports 398, 400 may be implemented in a pan system having only two pans. For example, the middle pan 70 may be omitted and the support bracket 246 replaced by a central plate including the roller supports 398, 400 and the rollers 430. Additionally, in other embodiments, the inner roller supports 366, 368 of the support bracket 246 may be replaced by guide tracks similar to the guide tracks 282 of the mounting plates 242, 244.

There are a plurality of advantages of the present disclosure arising from the various features of the method, apparatus, and system described herein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the method, apparatus, and system of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations of the method, apparatus, and system that incorporate one or more of the features of the present invention and fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A domestic refrigerator comprising: a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein, a first plate positioned in the temperature-controlled compartment, the first plate including a first rail, a second plate positioned opposite the first plate, the second plate including a second rail, a bracket positioned between the first plate and the second plate, a first side pan positioned between the bracket and the first plate, a second side pan positioned between the bracket and the second plate, a middle pan moveably coupled to the bracket, a first roller secured to the first side pan, the first roller having a groove engaged with the first rail to locate the first side pan relative to the middle pan, and a second roller secured to the second side pan, the second roller having a groove engaged with the second rail to locate the second side pan relative to the middle pan, wherein (i) a first distance is defined between the first side pan and the middle pan, (ii) a second distance is defined between the second side pan and the middle pan, and (iii) the first distance is substantially equal to the second distance.
 2. The domestic refrigerator of claim 1, wherein: the bracket includes a first side wall positioned between the first side pan and the middle pan, and a second side wall positioned between the second side pan and the middle pan, the first side wall and the second side wall defining a compartment within the bracket, the middle pan includes a body and a front panel secured to the body at a front end thereof, the body having a storage chamber defined therein, and the middle pan is moveable between (i) a closed position in which the body is positioned in the compartment and user-access to the storage chamber is prevented, and (ii) an open position in which the body extends outwardly from the compartment and user-access to the storage chamber is permitted.
 3. The domestic refrigerator of claim 2, wherein: the bracket includes a first flange extending from the first side wall into the compartment and a second flange extending from the second side wall into the compartment, and the first flange and the second flange confront the body of the middle pan to position the body between the first side wall and the second side wall.
 4. The domestic refrigerator of claim 2, further comprising: a third roller attached to a lower end of the first side wall, and a fourth roller attached to a lower end of the second side wall, wherein the middle pan includes (i) a first outer flange extending from the body, the first outer flange having a substantially planar bottom surface that is engaged with the third roller, and (ii) a second outer flange extending from the body, the second outer flange having a substantially planar bottom surface that is engaged with the fourth roller.
 5. The domestic refrigerator of claim 2, wherein: the first side pan includes a body having a storage chamber defined therein and a front panel secured to the body at a front end thereof, the second side pan includes a body having a storage chamber defined therein and a front panel secured to the body of the second side pan at a front end thereof, the first distance is defined between the front panel of the first side pan and the front panel of the middle pan, and the second distance is defined between the front panel of the second side pan and the front panel of the middle pan.
 6. The domestic refrigerator of claim 5, wherein: the storage chamber of the first side pan has a first volume, the storage chamber of the second side pan has a second volume substantially equal to the first volume, and the storage chamber of the middle pan has a third volume that is less than the first volume and the second volume.
 7. The domestic refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising a cover panel having a first end secured to the first plate and a second end secured to the second plate, wherein the bracket is secured to the cover panel between the first end and the second end.
 8. The domestic refrigerator of claim 1, wherein: the first plate includes a first flange having the first rail extending upwardly therefrom, and a second flange having a third rail extending downwardly toward the first rail, and the third rail is positioned in the groove of the first roller of the first side pan.
 9. The domestic refrigerator of claim 8, further comprising: a third roller secured to the first plate, the third roller having a groove defined therein, wherein (i) the first side pan includes an outer flange having a fourth rail extending downwardly therefrom, and (ii) the fourth rail is positioned in the groove defined in the third roller.
 10. A domestic refrigerator comprising: a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein, a cover panel positioned in the temperature-controlled compartment, a first plate secured to a first end of the cover panel, the first plate having a first rail, a second plate secured to a second end of the cover panel opposite the first end, the second plate having a second rail, a bracket secured to the cover panel between the first end and the second end, the bracket having a plurality of sidewalls that define a compartment therein, a first side pan having a first roller secured thereto, the first roller being engaged with the first rail of the first plate, a second side pan having a second roller secured thereto, the second roller being engaged with the second rail of the second plate, and a middle pan including a body moveably coupled to the bracket, the body being moveable between: (i) a first position in which the body is positioned in the compartment, and (ii) a second position in which the body extends outwardly from the compartment.
 11. The domestic refrigerator of claim 10, wherein: the bracket includes (i) a third roller attached to a front end of a first side wall, and (ii) a fourth roller attached to a front end of a second side wall, and the middle pan includes (i) a first outer flange extending from the body, the first outer flange having a substantially planar bottom surface that is engaged with the third roller, and (ii) a second outer flange extending from the body, the second outer flange having a substantially planar bottom surface that is engaged with the fourth roller.
 12. The domestic refrigerator of claim 11, wherein: the middle pan includes (i) a fifth roller secured to a back end of the first outer flange, and (ii) a sixth roller secured to a back end of the second outer flange, and the bracket includes (i) a first inner flange extending from the first side wall into the compartment, the first inner flange having a substantially planar bottom surface that is engaged with the fifth roller, and (ii) a second inner flange extending from the second side wall into the compartment, the second inner flange having a substantially planar bottom surface that is engaged with the sixth roller.
 13. The domestic refrigerator of claim 12, wherein the first inner flange and the second inner flange confront the body of the middle pan to position the body between the first side wall and the second side wall.
 14. The domestic refrigerator of claim 13, wherein: the first roller has a groove defined therein, and the second roller has a groove defined therein, and the first rail of the first plate is positioned in the groove of the first roller to locate the first side pan relative to the middle pan and the second rail of the second plate is positioned in the groove of the first roller to locate the second side pan relative to the middle pan.
 15. The domestic refrigerator of claim 14, wherein a first distance is defined between the first side pan and the middle pan, and a second distance is defined between the second side pan and the middle pan, the second distance being substantially equal to the first distance.
 16. A storage system for a refrigerator, comprising: a cover panel, a first plate secured to a first end of the cover panel, the first plate including a first rail, a second plate secured to a second end of the cover panel, the second plate including a second rail, a bracket positioned between the first plate and the second plate, a first side pan positioned between the bracket and the first plate, a second side pan positioned between the bracket and the second plate, a middle pan moveably coupled to the bracket between the first side pan and the second side pan, a first roller secured to the first side pan, the first roller having a groove engaged with the first rail to locate the first side pan relative to the middle pan, and a second roller secured to the second side pan, the second roller having a groove engaged with the second rail to locate the second side pan relative to the middle pan, wherein (i) a first distance is defined between the first side pan and the middle pan, (ii) a second distance is defined between the second side pan and the middle pan, and (iii) the first distance is substantially equal to the second distance.
 17. The storage system of claim 16, wherein: the first plate includes a first flange having the first rail extending upwardly therefrom, and a second flange having a third rail extending downwardly toward the first rail, and the third rail is positioned in the groove of the first roller of the first side pan. 